How a Country With No Military Can Change the Battle Against Russia
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
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Iceland, a remote island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean with just under 400,000 people, and the only member of the Atlantic Alliance without its own military, played an important role during the Cold War as a NATO watchdog, preventing passage from the Norwegian Sea to the Soviet Northern Fleet.
Today, with a more hostile Russia and an Arctic increasingly militarized by Putin, Iceland is once again at the center of the geopolitical chessboard after years of absolute domination by Uncle Sam that condemned it to geostrategic irrelevance.
What is so important about its location on the world map? How has Iceland managed to exploit its location to its advantage? Who will defend this remote island in the event it is attacked or even invaded? What role does it play in an Arctic increasingly militarized by Russia?
Interesting links:
Greenwood, Jeremy. 2023. "Great power competition and overseas basing in the Arctic". Policy Brief. Brookings. At: www.brookings....
MacKinlay, Alexander. 2019. "Iceland, strategic ebb and flow." Opinion Paper 27/2019. Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies. At: www.ieee.es/Ga...
Th. Jóhannesson, Gudni. 2004. To the edge of nowhere? U.S.-Icelandic defence relations during and after the Cold War. Naval War College Review 57 (3/4): 115-137. At: www.jstor.org/...
Vázquez Orbaiceta, Gonzalo. 2023. "The resurgence of the strategic importance of the GIUK Gap." Opinion Paper 49/2023. Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies. At: www.ieee.es/en...
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When I was serving in the military, I was told, "Iceland is a very friendly country. In fact at Keflavik , there was a girl behind every tree!" I spoke with people who had deployed there and they told me that it was true. There was in fact a girl behind "Every" tree. There just weren't any trees.
Lol
They have planted a lot of trees since then. Seems like they have an overabundance of friendly girls 🤣
@ rodneykelly8768
also
@filipdimitrov1630
I know You know, why those
lovely girls where they were...
and why !
Iceland is only unsinkable
battleship combined with super-
aircraft ship nearest from north.
From Southwest- Turkiye's
Incirlik base land field extremely
close to Russia, from Japan there are couple of others.
One may be curious, why Russia
is so nervous.
Not talking about Ukraine, asking
to join NATO...
Enough?
I live in Iceland, your comment made my day
As as Lithuanian, I am very thankful to Iceland for being the first country to acknowledge Lithuania's independence from shit sssr ❤
@jojopopovate2092
Very glad You got what You
dreamed for.
Don't back up, You're in free country, no one will
milk You anymore !
Be happy!
Greetings from Croatia to the brave Lithuanians
Glad to have served at Naval Air Station (NAS) Keflavik from 1979-80. We were always tracking Russian air and naval surface units plus submarines. Side benefit was an opportunity to see really unspoiled, wild spaces at every turn!
I served in KFOR in Kosovo under Icelandic command in 2003/2004. Iceland was the lead nation to run Prishtina Airport with 5+ Icelandic officers in key positions together with members from 13 other NATO nations.
My guess is that if Iceland has to host the biggest fleet battles, the servers will lag really bad.
what is batterries ? Im from Iceland and most here want to make peace with Russia.
@@Zoonjse Haltu fokking kjafti ógeðið þitt. Rússland á skilið að vera gereytt og Kvislingar eins og þú með þeim einnig
08:13, you say there are no military personnel on the island, this is false. Keflavík hosts a rotating NATO air policing mission from fellow member states. In recent years the US Navy has stationed a number of P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft year-round, any visitor to Keflavík can see them. NATO member navies are regular visitors to Reykjavik, even including the UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers
The U.S.S. Iceland is huge and unsinkable, though glacially slow.
But the fire she is capable of producing is measured on the VEI index
Well, she's moving approximately one square meter per year in all directions at once.
Wrong its under the wing of Norway
@@mastermariner490 Denmark
@@paulbedichek5177 Norway,you are thinking greeenland
In regards of Russia Iceland has already sent the US ambassador and his staff home as a protest to the invasion in Ukraine. Iceland has also closed its embassy in Russia.
In regards of the Cod Wars then it should be mentioned that the UK lost three times. UK couldn't invade Iceland (NATO founding member) again or sink their coast guard ships.
If UK had gone to war against Iceland I am certain that the other Nordic nations would have stepped in some way. Iceland was supposed to get gun boats from the US but USA stalled the delivery as they feared that it would lead to deadly conflicts between Iceland and the UK.
What Iceland was protecting by the Cod Wars was its economy as it was heavily based on fishing. UK had already overfished in its own waters and was plundering the sea around Iceland affecting the fish stock and the future of fishing around Iceland.
Therefore the only thing Iceland could do was to expand its economic zone. After Iceland beat the UK for the 3rd and final time all other coastal nations implemented the same 200 nautical mile economic zone.
Iceland actually has implemented a fishing quota system that has had a great impact on the quantity of fish in their waters. The quota system is based on science, not politics, and it has had a major impact on the wealth of the nation.
Their location is worth so much more than the 2% of their budget that NATO asks them to spend on military. If someone tried to put a dollar number of Icelandic military bases NATO can use, I'm fairly sure that's more than 2% of Icelands annual budget.
Old enough to remember the Cod Wars on the news. Always on Iceland's side !
It's probably the only war ever that ended because of oil - and because one of the parties switched side. Basically what happened was that the British government eventually figured out that if Iceland claimed a 200 mile Exclusve Economic Zone, they could do the same and the British EEZ happened to include some serious oil resources. When that realization finally dawned on them, they were suddenly very supportive of Iceland's claim.
The preeminent example of the phrase 'Location, Location, Location!'
Great presentation, lad. The only serious omission was the Hoyvik Agreement, which cemented the powerhouse alliance between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. They might both have tiny populations, but (as you point out) location is everything, and when you add the location of the Faroes, so close to both Scotland and Norway, this is truly the littlest mouse that politely roars in North Atlantic.
Iceland also has strong connections to other Nordic nations. Norway, Sweden and Finland. And they all share a similar shaped national flag, with a cross motif.
are part of NORDEFCO also
Keflavik airport has been Iceland main international airport since the end of the WW2
My father is an old school Reagan era Republican and he will always correct you if you call nato a military alliance. He will say, no, it's a, defensive organization. If you point out they have taken offensive action multiple times in conflicts outside of their member states, he says, yes, that was because they were defending somebody else. There is no reasoning with these people
I enjoyed my year as a USAF member on NAS Keflavic. 960th AWACS, 1991-92.
Iceland is lucky that its ally is USA. If its ally was Soviet Union, they would got annexed before long.
Like Cuba, Vietnam, Eastern block, etc ?
@@АгронДепартье Eastern block countries (Poland, Hungary etc.) were either too far or protected (recognized) by international treaty or under China sphere of power.
Soviet Union annexed Ukraine, the -stans, Baltic states, etc. which were breakaway from old Russian empire. They even tried (and failed) to annex Finland. And Iceland as a breakaway land from Norway (and close to Soviet Union territory) was a free real estate if USA didn't say they were protected.
It has a small coastguard, but that isn’t really a full on military. But as it is explained as I’m watching the video, the geographic location of Iceland allows it to only have a small coastguard, but it is also fairly close to Norway who is also in NATO, Norway is willing to defend their fellow neighbor at all costs if an invasion from Russia or it’s allies.
30 nations. 31 if you count Sweden. Turkey isn't much of an ally.
Turkey isn't a great roommate for sure. But it also has enormous geographical importance.
@@CitiesTurnedToDust I very much understand that. But, Turkey has to pick a side. No alliance can afford a member that will not honor its commitments.
Turkey is no longer an ally.
Things are about to get spICY!! 🥶🥶
Kudos for good pronounceation of Icelandic words ;)
Iceland has a military. They just don't have a standing army. But they maintain special forces, coast guard and a national security force. They've even sent military medical doctors to UN missions.
Military??? We have an underfunded, barely functioning coast guard and a few police in coveralls with guns.
Military Doctors ? Doctors by definition can not be military per The Hippocratic Oath a doctor shalt not hurt. A military medic can bear arms and fire, but not a Doctor. Google the difference between a military medic and a Doctor. One is a soldier trained to perform first and basic aid to wounded soldiers, second is a sworn by The Hippocratic Oath highly educated university with expertise to diagnose and treat patients. A doctor may work in a military hospital or settings and treat soldiers, but he is still a civilian and not and can not be a part of a military under any circumstances. Doctor can not be forced to harm, shoot or kill other humans hence can not be enlisted in a military. Why people are so ignorant and clueless nowadays ? 😱
@@thordurthorsson3359 Don't sell your Sérsveit ríkislögreglustjóra short. They could use a few more people, though.
@@Gooroodyou sure? I recall from my military service that the doctors, the one who studied medicine had been part of the military, given according officers rank up to the general rank area.
@@Gooroodwtf are you babbling on about. My country, has Medical officers. They are not medics, they are doctors, who are in the military. As for the cannot hurt, we also have medical assistance in dying.
correction iceland has a coast guard
Not a military per say more like cops on the high seas and search and rescue.
In Tom Clancy's WW3 magnum opus, Red Storm Rising, Iceland was one of the major settings.
One thing about England and then the US occupying Iceland. The English didn't ask. The Americans did.
From 1992 to 1994, I made regular visits to the four radar stations mentioned @10:07 as part of a quality assurance team.
This was a bit of a problem for Norway during ww ii. The allied forces on Iceland included a Norwegian skiing company and the 330nd Squadron of the Norwegian air force which was rather embarrasing considering the close relationship and friendship between Iceland and Norway. Fortunately the Icelanders understood the situation and were very nice about it.
With a population of only 350K what could they afford as a military?
Something like a better armed police.
350K gunmen
@@Spamonmass I was thinking like the US coast guard.
@@1998marcomah yes, the infamous 100% male country .
@@BeardedDragonMan1997 Why is it necessary that soldiers are male?
A country with no military?
I thought he was going to say my country: Canada
Bro the Geneva Convention is practically a list of what Canadians aren't allowed to do anymore
What about all those social WARRIORS? Lol
😀😀
😂😂😂😂
Only 40% or so of it is.
Volcanic behavior of its soil, Iceland need not armed forces
WRONG The hell if NATO was created to confront the USSR. It was created to defend against it.
Not a word on the Regan-Gorbachev meeting back in 1986 that had a huge impact.
If there are ever any real problems, legends say that the Eagles and the Falcons will return to defend Iceland.
And they will be joined by Raptors and Lightning.
So, the football teams of Philadelphia and Atlanta will be joined by the basketball team from Toronto and the hockey team from Tampa Bay?
@@jeffreyharris3440 They of the jet-powered variety. 😉
cringe
@@rizkyadiyanto7922 Cringe-worthy enough, but they are more reliable than Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr for the defense of Iceland.
It's quet funny because Iceland literally has a legend from the 13th century of 4 mythological protectors who will awaken from their ancient slumber to come to the aid of Iceland, should it ever be attacked. These protectors are a a Giant bull, a Jötun (which is basically just a Giant, a Dragon and lastly a giant eagle accompanied by an army of other birds some large and some small. These protectors now make up our coat of arms.
it's funny to think that maybe this ancient legend was referring to diffirent NATO powers all along. The Bull could represent the EU as it is a common symbol for it (comes from an ancient Greek legend about Europa, the dragon could represent the UK as it has historically been both a symbol of England and Wales , the Giant is tricky and could represent anyone (Maybe Iceland itself, and then the Eagle is ofcourse a perfect representation of none other than uncle Sam himself accompanied by its massive airforce.
They have no military, but what about a navy ?
7 out of 10 for accuracy.
Iceland - NATO’s (The US’s) favorite sugar baby 😂
🤣🤣🤣
if global warming continues to melt the arctic ice cap. the GIUK gap will not be quite as significant. the Russians will have a second route and will be able to creep out the opposite direction. this time with less inteference as there isn't much the Americans can do without Moscow kicking off
I thought you were talking about canada
I am baffled that Iceland has a Costco
Iceland 🇮🇸 ❤
Just chillin’ on this one 🥶
12:19 What does Tokyo have to do with China?
as a Swede, i want us to join NATO, but then Turkey showing us that they CLEARLY support Russia, i am not sure i want us to be a member of NATO.
NATO need to make clear to Turkey to ditch its relations to Russia or exclude Turkey from NATO all together!
Think that is coming
There are days someone would just do us a favour and occupy us, maybe Denmark or Norway just take us back. Aluminum production is just a tiny part of the economy with the total job supplied is 2.000 and total of 5.000 if all the supporting jobs are needs.... and no vikings from Iceland.
Loved that comment! Seriously though... Iceland has a unique opportunity to be a major player in Arctic policy. The U.S. will have to safeguard that. It's just a matter of time.
@@circuitsandparts Yes, we still have that deal with U.S.A., they are still an guaranteer of our safety and we should be high on the strategic totempole.
If not for the Vikings no one would have settled Iceland at all.
N - No
A - Action
T - Talk
O - Only
NATO cannot help Ukraine on its own.
NATO isn’t helping Ukraine. They are being helped by the “Ukraine Contact Group” which is much larger than NATO and may be adding some new nations soon.
@@Hrotiberhtaz It never was a threat to anyone. It was a defensive alliance that has only been activated once. That is why it is called a deterrent.
Tell it to Serbia.
@@inwalters Serbia was technically a UN mission supported later by NATO troops who had additional capabilities the UN troops didn’t have avaialable.
the UK invaded Iceland in WWII, just to make sure the bad guys couldn't do it first. total good guy move.
Nothing out of ordinary at the time. They also invaded e.g. Iran just to secure a safe supply route for the Soviets.
In real estate and military advantage it's location, location, location.
Pretty disingenuous not to mention that English trawlers were decimating the fish stocks like they had already done around Scotland and their own waters. The Cod Wars for Iceland was a matter of life and death.
Ísland - bezt í heimi!
Flash backs to operation polar glory from Red Storm Rising
Go Iceland!
No, they can stay, they seem like nice people!
Volcano cannon, and Iceberg magnetic mines are their secret weapon, be very afraid, Russia....
Always the PRIMARY attribute of " Desirable " Real Estate . Location, Location , Location .
Simon rang he'd like his shirt back
How much of their GDP do they contribute to NATO? NATO requires 2% of GDP being spent on a country's military to remain in NATO. With no military, they don't meet the requirements.
But Iceland has volcanos, earthquakes, waterfalls, and lots of magma/lava!
Amazed this video isn't about Canada.
Did Ireland not drop down the list after the nonsense that was last week ?
The thing is, the threat never left then Soviet Union broke down, it remained in a different shape and form, idle / sleeping until Soviet v2.0 was active, and Soviet 2.0 was launched in 2000. West, stupid as they still are, did not see it and thought it was Russia the democratic country..
Iceland “coastguard” look it up or the “not military” deployed to Afghanistan:-)
As opposed to "supposedly neutral" Switzerland which allows its citizen army to take military assault rifles home. Not just guns but full kit. The army can be mobilized for national defense at a moment's notice.
"Neutral" can be a very lonely position when push comes to shove. The concept that no one - not even the Nazis - attacks their own accountant and treasurer has worked quite well so far, but Switzerland has always known that it cannot rely on that alone for its defence. At least you have to be able to fend off any aggressors until the bank manager has reminded the attacker's top politicians of their accounts.
Red Storm Rising
Flash backs to operation polar glory
Why are there no trees on Iceland?
we have forests but not shown in the video
Panama only reason of not having a military is due to Costa Rica's influence!
Should check history and make a video on that...
Answers to your questions are Yes, yes, yes, yes, & yes.
The weather in your fantasy land must really suck these days guys.
There is no such thing as bad weather, just weak attitudes. ;-)
Niceland.
good one hehe
Some republicans claim that the United States cannot foot the bill of a long, drawn-out war in Ukraine, a faction of Republican lawmakers is threatening to shut down the US government if further Ukraine funding is included in a continuing resolution.
But this approach does not take into consideration the benefits to US strategic interests and the American economy. A large portion of the money if not nearly all of it is “designated for Ukraine” is being reinvested in American companies and other military industrial complex , bolstering the defense industry and sustaining American manufacturing jobs for American workers; in over 35 different states in the country all those states badly need those investments and jobs for their citizens.
Despite claims to the contrary, the United States is not sending bags of unaccounted-for cash to Ukraine. Most US contributions go to military aid, including weapons and equipment made by American defense contractors who employ communities across the country. When the United States spends money to purchase military equipment as part of an international aid package, the materiel may go overseas, but the money and jobs stay in America.
Similarly, appropriations for the US Foreign Military Financing program provide incentives for NATO allies and partners to secure US-made capabilities. This translates to more business for US companies and sustained employment for rural communities in which they operate.
For instance, Lockheed Martin, maker of the HIMARS-which has been central to Ukraine’s counteroffensive-plans to increase its Camden, Arkansas facility’s workforce by 20%, and recently announced increased profit projections through the end of the year. Similarly, General Dynamics has committed to building new production facilities in Mesquite, Texas, bringing money and jobs to the region. Change like this takes place only when the Pentagon sends strong and stable market signals to the defense industry, giving it the confidence to expand and hire.
In short, the numbers suggest that continued support for Ukraine is a win-win for Ukrainians and the American people. The United States can continue to defend stability and democratic governance across the globe, while at the same time boosting American industrial output and advancing US economic interests.
America has enough military for all 😊
Portugal military is so ridiculous we also are a member with zero military
Iceland blackmailing? Who would think these Vikings would do such thing? 😂
There is Norwegian f35 stationed in Island
Common Icelandic W!
luxembourg has no military
Costa Rica best peaceful country ,no army
No reflection on its members, but I thought that this was going to be about today's Canada, with a military that is slowly disappearing and in which only social justice will prevail.
It's very belligerent talk to speak of battles with Russia when there is no declared war and NATO is the one with the declared policy of destroying Russia?
I think of a famous chess match...
Due to lack of funds...
Nice
The most peaceful country in the world and Norway is not on the list? lol Norway is on same level a Iceland almost!
Folks! Soft power does exist.
Many ways. Finance, environmental, industrial espionage. Etc.
Archangel Michael
I didn't know you could belong to NATO without a military...
If you ask Frankie Boyle he will tell you NATO is a Scottish guy who lost his feet to diabetes !!
Iceland, descendants of Vikings. They just have to put on their horned hats and hop in their rowboats.
Britain lost the cod wars.
Iceland US Protectorate.
"Aggressively expanding its zones without negotiating with the UK" LOL. British arrogance much?
Wrong again.. We in Denmark is the blockade to shit comming from overseas..theck your wisdom, before boosting out wrongs!
I think I have a crush on this guy. He’s super handsome 😍
The first of the 4 neutral countries invaded on May 10, 1940.
Denmark is the provider of Island..Not the f.. states or others..we are! Get your history together
Iceland is pretty cool!
"world" has an r sound........
@rodneykelly8768
As I understood, You were not
there.
Russians were actually behind grass leaves. Those Your
idiotical instructors had just poor knowledge of botanics.
Otherwise correct...!
Don't forget seamen's stories.
Full of bs. too..!
Sometimes just remain neutral.
🎉
whew... seems like you guys got a virus, i'm sorry to hear. you really scared me when you told me i won a million though 😥shouldn't have clicked those suspicious links :) .
What an egocentric mind.
How does Iceland even defend itself without an army?
well... our closest neighbours are the faroe islands, greenland, norway and the UK. Which one of them has both the capacity and strategic reasons to do so? None I can see.
the fact you think you need an army is both funny and sad
@@hfjtrytry9216 - that’s why Iceland is a member of NATO.
N - No
A - Action
T - Talk
O - Only
How many people live in the NATO member countries, and what is the size of their economy… and how’s that compare to Russia?
NATO is a joke.
keep dreaming about Sweden lol...